SF Giants pitcher Vogelsong out with a back injury

Everything about Ryan Vogelsong’s 2011 season, from Day One of spring training, was golden. Not so much so far this year.

Vogelsong expects to miss seven to 10 days of normal spring-training activity with a strained lower back, which occurred during weightlifting at his Pennsylvania home Feb. 7.

“I’d say that’s a good guesstimate,” said Vogelsong, whose career comeback last year included a 13-7 record and 2.71 ERA, which earned him a two-year, $8.3 million contract.

“Yeah, it’s disappointing because I know how hard I worked all offseason to get ready,” Vogelsong said this morning. “Then this happens. I’d rather have it happen now than at the beginning of the season.”

Vogelsong said he was doing squats — “normal stuff” — when he got hurt. He did not feel a sharp pain, but stiffness the next day. I asked him if he was concerned, and he said, “Me? No. I’m going to take it easy for awhile and make sure it’s better before I get going again.”

Vogelsong will continue workouts in the training room, focusing on core and arm strength, “as much as I can without setting myself back.”